A NSW Government website
Design System v3.18.3

In-page alert

In-page alerts are used to contextually inform users of important information or status of an interaction.

Figma

Usage

Use in-page alerts to attract the user's attention. Alerts are often displayed following a user interaction or system event. The level of attention is dependent on the importance of the alert.

Do:

  • use clear, concise easy to understand language, to minimise cognitive load
  • display the alerts in context and at an appropriate time
  • use the appropriate alert for the task at hand.

Do not:

  • overuse alerts as this will erode their effectiveness
  • use for global alerts which are required on all pages.

In-page alert types

In-page alerts come in standard and compact. The standard variant can be used to deliver an alert for a section or overall context. The compact variant can be used for in-line alerts or where the alert needs to be isolated, such as in forms where it relates to just one field.

In-page alert are styled according to their purpose:

Information alert

Designed to be less intrusive or interruptive than other levels of alert:

  • use for information the user should know, but is not critical
  • use for tips or information which the user can benefit from
  • use for messages which don't require too much attention or action
  • don't use in response to a user action.

Success alert

  • use to inform the user that an action was performed successfully (e.g. submitting a form or registering an account).

Warning alert

  • use to warn the user of a possible negative outcome (e.g. password expiry)
  • provide sufficient information to avoid the problem
  • use for an action that is out of the ordinary or might not be desired.

Critical alert

  • use where a system event has failed
  • use when the user has made an error
  • use where the user is blocked until the issue is resolved, or the issue needs resolving immediately
  • provide sufficient information on the issue and resolution to fix the issue
  • don't use for validation or validation summary.

How this component works

The family of alerts is designed with a consistent layout to aid comprehension of what they are and how they work.

They are designed to look 'not always present', to draw the user's attention.

The type and urgency of the alert is communicated through colour and the icon used.

The icons used are industry standard, with the exception of the warning and critical icons which are somewhat interchangeable. Both the warning and critical icons are perceived as more important to aid the user's comprehension.

The alerts are not dismissible.

Accessibility

All components are responsive and designed to comply with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards. Full compliance depends on using and configuring the components correctly.

Ensuring compliance through usage

Consistent help

For in-page alerts in the design system, ensuring WCAG 2.2 AA compliance requires careful attention to consistency and accessibility. Alerts should be configured to deliver clear, actionable guidance without disrupting user flow. This means applying consistent language, formatting, and placement to make alerts easily recognisable across the interface. Ensure each alert is accessible, with clear labels and instructions that screen readers can interpret effectively. Additionally, users should be able to reference alert content without needing to re-trigger it.

Following these guidelines helps to create a cohesive, accessible experience, aligning with best practices for usability and accessibility in your design system.

Information

Rockdale Service Centre is coming soon

Rockdale Agency will close on 9 March 2018 and re-open in April. Please visit Kogarah Service Centre during this closure.

Rockdale Agency will close on 9 March 2018 and re-open in April. Please visit Kogarah Service Centre during this closure.

Critical

It looks like there was a problem

Please contact your service desk for further assistance.

It looks like there was a problem. Please contact your service desk for further assistance.

Warning

Password expiring soon

Your password is expiring in 4 days. Please change your password.

Password expiring soon. Your password is expiring in 4 days. Please change your password.

Success

Your application has been received

Thank you for submitting your interest. We will be in contact within 5 business days.

Your application has been received. We will be in contact within 5 business days.